HUNTSVILLE, Ala. – The Lee University women's basketball team avenged a loss in late December by defeating The University of Alabama in Huntsville, 67-54, Thursday night in a Gulf South Conference (GSC) matchup.
The Lady Flames (13-6, 10-6 GSC) outscored the Chargers (10-12, 7-9 GSC) 19-7 over the first six minutes of the second half to turn a one-point lead into a 46-33 advantage. UAH would get to within four points with eight minutes remaining, but the Lady Flames fought off the challenge and rebuilt a double-figure lead.
"We still have a long way to go, but we're playing better and better," said Lee head coach Marty Rowe. "In the second half, we did a good job defensively without fouling and our efficiency on offense is improving."
Erin Walsh and Emileigh Swafford combined to score 32 points, including 16 of the team's final 20 points. The duo each made 5-of-13 shots with Walsh making 3-of-9 from behind the arc to record 13 markers. Swafford was 9-for-10 at the free throw line on her way to a game-high 19 points.
Alex Swope tallied nine points to along with two rebounds, two assists and two steals. Shelby Brown added eight points, two rebounds and three blocked shots.
Christina Johnson pulled down 10 rebounds for the sixth time this season and went over 300 career rebounds to land at 309. Johnson also contributed seven points and five assists.
Carrie Cheeks and Kayla Beavers rounded out the Lee scoring with six and five points, respectively.
"The bench was good today. Not only with their energy, but with points and quality play," added Rowe.
Lee's bench supplied 13 points along with seven rebounds, two assists, three blocked shots and one steal. The Chargers garnered six points off the bench.
UAH had three players score in double figures. Dina Saunders made two three-pointers on her way to 14 points. Josi Saunders had 12 and Halle Jarnagin added 11 more.
The Lady Flames made 24-of-52 (.462) shots from the field and were 7-of-21 (.333) from behind the arc, while UAH was held to 35 percent (17-for-47) from the floor and 21 percent (4-for-19) from distance. The Chargers held a small advantage at the free throw line, making 16-of-18 (.889) compared to Lee's 75 percent (12-for-16).
Lee travels to Florence, Ala., on Saturday to face North Alabama. The GSC contest is scheduled to tip off at 2 p.m. EST and will be the second of four consecutive road games for Lee.
"They (UNA) are so explosive and dangerous," added Rowe. "They like to have a lot of possessions, so we'll need to rebound and not give them extra possessions."
